Gifts Today magazine

Spring Fair 2017 to boast largest Home sector yet

UK’s number one gift and home trade event reveals thriving Home sector that will be biggest yet and will feature more international brands than ever before

The 2017 edition of Spring Fair, the UK’s largest gift and home trade event, will feature the largest Home section in its 67-year history.

Showcasing brands from across the world, a total of 2,500 exhibitors will be on-hand at Birmingham’s NEC from February 5-8, 2017, enabling independent retailers, department store buyers, garden centres and online retailers to source in vogue home and lifestyle products.

Verdict Retail[1] recently revealed the UK home décor market will outperform all other homeware retail sectors, accounting for 12.1 per cent of the total homewares market. Designed to help retailers capitalise on the growing market, Spring Fair’s Home section – which has doubled in size since 2014 – will feature brands that take inspiration from all corners of the globe, particularly Scandinavia.

Spring Fair will present the UK’s largest selection of Scandinavian brands. The Scandinavian hygge craze of simplistic, cosy living that is sweeping the UK, so much so that it was recently shortlisted as one of the words of the year[2], will be presented by the trend’s leading brands that are exhibiting exclusively at Spring Fair including Madam Stolz, Hubsch, Nordal and Kreafunk. Buyers looking to source the next ‘must-have’ items will find textiles, furniture, interior and outdoor accessories, as well as soft furnishings in the event’s flagship sector.

Described as a feeling of comfort and contentment, the hygge has focused largely on the idea of making the ordinary special, or meaningful, through ritualising everyday activities such as making a cup of tea, putting technology to one side and embracing simple practices such as lighting candles, purchasing flowers, or brewing coffee. Tea light holders, pillows, Easter decorations and pharmacy display cabinets are just some of the products that will be on display.

2017 will see the Home sector of the show become more international as it features more global brands than ever before. Brands such as Chic Antique, Flam and Luce Byclassy, Light & Living and Baroque International have confirmed they will display an exciting array of customised lampshades, vintage furniture and renaissance style decorations.

Exclusive to the Spring Fair is the Summerhouse an edited collective of over 40 exhibitors. This offers visitors the latest in on-trend designs, with a highly-edited selection of the most original UK and international gift, interior, lighting and lifestyle brands. The section exhibits trend-setting favourites and exclusive new exhibitors, including Natures Collection, India Jane, One World Trading Ltd, VITA Copenhagen, Nkuku, Stone the Crows, Libra, Parlane International and Abigail Ahern. Buyers can also attend and network, while taking in the show trends at the Summerhouse Café.

Alongside a more international focus this year, The Summerhouse sector is also home to some of the best ‘brand British’ brands. With the uncertain times of Brexit ahead, this British identity is often a big part of UK retailers’ overseas appeal and according to Jennifer Creevy from Retail Week, “it could play a bigger role for retailers to capitalise on their unique status in many different ways”[3] Everything from seasonal decorations through to everyday gifts for home and garden will be among the exclusive products on display in this area.

A major exhibitor at the 2017 event will be Coach House, while other leading Home suppliers like Wilde Java, McGowan & Rutherford, Voyage Maison, Clarke & Clarke, Hill Interiors and Pacific Lifestyle will also be present, displaying a wide assortment of products including leather lamps, country dining chairs, wall clocks and large dressers.

Commenting on last year’s show, Kate Cowie, Director, Utility, said: “Spring Fair is a key date in our buying schedule where we source new and exciting products. We learn about the new trends coming through and network with other buyers. It’s a crucial event that helps us focus on the year ahead.”
Alongside the unrivalled buying and specifying opportunities, the event will offer visitors a programme of topical and informative seminars, with respected industry experts speaking on consumer trends driving the sector. Visitors can also participate in a Meet the Expert session, for one-to-one advice on the challenges facing retailers over the coming year.

“With consumers increasingly demanding newer, more stylish and higher quality products, Spring Fair provides the UK’s most comprehensive array of home products, that covers everything from value to high-end price points, from traditional to the latest trending home trends. No matter what type of retailer you are, large or small, there will be ranges at Spring Fair to help you increase sales in this area.”

Home is one of 14 sectors at Spring Fair, alongside Gift, DIY & Home Improvement, Fashion & Accessories, Toys, Kitchen and Dining, Party and Retail Solutions. For more information and to register for your free ticket, please visit: www.springfair.com